Fitness Professional’s Handbook translates key concepts into practical application by guiding the reader through screening participants, conducting fitness tests, evaluating the major components of fitness, and prescribing appropriate exercise.



With a newly restructured framework that strongly emphasizes real-world application, Fitness Professional’s Handbook, Eighth Edition With HKPropel Access, provides current and aspiring fitness professionals the road map for working with clients. The text translates key concepts into practical application by guiding the reader through screening participants, conducting fitness testing, evaluating the major components of fitness, and prescribing appropriate exercise.

This eighth edition reflects the most up-to-date research, position stands, guidelines, and standards from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), other professional societies, and government agencies. New case studies reflecting a diverse array of clients offer real-world applications, and Research Insight sidebars cover a wide range of applicable scientific topics.

Significant updates, changes, and additions have been made throughout, including these:

• An updated overview of assessment that provides practical understanding of preparatory steps such as obtaining informed consent, taking steps to maximize client safety, and explaining test results in a way that will be meaningful and relevant
• A new chapter on how to combine assessment results with a client’s personal goals to create a comprehensive exercise program; readers will learn how to develop the optimal training stimulus and to balance activity level and nutritional requirements to optimize outcomes and safety for clients
• Expanded content on working with clients who are pregnant, covering the benefits of exercise during and after pregnancy; contraindications and signs that warrant stopping exercise; and new content on pelvic floor training
• Updated content on chronic diseases, featuring the latest information on cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer

Additional new information includes two new muscular fitness tests; a section on pharmacology that covers major drug categories and offers insights into how medications can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and physiological responses to exercise; and coverage of neuromotor fitness.

The engaging full-color textbook is further enhanced by 25 related online videos, delivered through HK Propel, facilitating a deeper understanding of techniques in the book and development of practical skills.

Comprehensive yet practical in nature, Fitness Professional’s Handbook is designed to prepare students for professional certification and empower current fitness professionals to work with various populations to improve health, fitness, and quality of life through appropriate screening, testing, and exercise prescription.

Note: A code for accessing HK Propel is included with this ebook.